The ice and snow of winter might be weeks away from melting, but thousands of people have stopped by Family First Sports Park over the past few days with thoughts of spring -- and specifically the projects they can get done once warmer temperatures hit.

Family First, at 8155 Oliver Road in Summit Township, is now playing host to the Builders Association of Northwestern Pennsylvania's 54th annual Home Show, which started Thursday and continues today from noon to 5 p.m.

Bob Himes, executive officer of the builders association, said about 5,000 people are expected to attend the event. He said it was held about two months earlier than usual this year, which he expected to both boost attendance and help people get a jump on planning their home improvements.

"You want to be able to get on the contractor's schedule now," Himes said. "Everybody gets busy, (so if you wait) you might not find the someone who can do the quality of a job you're looking for or that job isn't going to get done until November."

Himes said the lagging economy has slowed business for many contractors over the past couple of years, but he expects that to shift this year. That would make planning early even more important.

"This is the time to get all your ducks in a row," he said. "Especially if you need to get permits or set up financing."

Steve Grenz, vice president of M.H. Grenz & Sons General Contracting, said holding the event earlier in the year seems to have led to more foot traffic. He said he expects to be busy once the weather changes, with retired couples looking to build new homes instead of remodeling.

"It's looking like it" will be a good year, Grenz said. "It seems like the baby boomers are ready to downsize. They're ready to get rid of that bigger house and build a smaller one."

Grenz said the Home Show is an important point of the year for his company, along with many other area contractors.

"It really lines up your work for the coming year," Grenz said. "It's a way of getting your name out there, and people can see what you have to offer."

Kyle Brink, owner of Brink Roofing, said he's been coming to the Home Show for the past eight years and it usually helps him find about 10 jobs once the weather cooperates.

"We love it," Brink said. "We get to see past customers, too, so it's nice to ask them how it's going."

The event featured about 80 vendors, including sellers of doors, windows, fireplaces, furniture and more. There is even a Lego building contest for children and a food stand benefiting Heartland Crossroad Ministry.

Phil and Sandy McClellan, of Corry, were among those at the home show, looking for ideas and contacts because they plan to move into a home in Union City that they will expand and renovate. The couple said this will be the eighth home they have renovated, and the Home Show has been a vital resource each time.

"They've got so many new ideas (at the home show) all the time," Phil McClellan said. "From fireplaces to wood stoves to siding. It's just giving us new ideas on what's on the market today. We've got a whole bag full of brochures that we're going to look at when we get home."

SEAN McCRACKEN can be reached at 870-1714 or by e-mail. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/ETNmccracken.